TAKE COURAGE: REASONS TO BE OF GOOD CHEER: GREATER PURPOSE

Our sermon series, “Take Courage” continues this week with the sermon, “Greater Purpose.”  When we find a defining purpose, it is always a source of strength and courage.  A sense of purpose gives us a foundation for our lives which enables us to negotiate difficult times.  The COVID-19 pandemic causes us to wonder the “why” of our reality, or to ask the basic question, “What does all of this mean?”  Finding a greater purpose helps us to understand some of the “why,” but it also helps us to trust that we can manage the future, even if the future is very uncertain! This week, we turn to Mark 10:42-52, where Jesus encounters a blind man who is determined to get Jesus’s attention and be healed.  Yet, Mark connects this event to the teachings of Jesus that the greatest person must be the servant of all.  The healing of this blind beggar teaches us about God’s purpose for us and how it can help us to truly see what is important!  As you read Mark 10:42-52, may you find the firm foundation of God’s care for your life!  Mark 10:42-52: 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV)